Re: Winter 2015 | Page 22

When my colleague Laurence came back from a meeting and mumbled something about floating in a tank, I didn’t pay that much attention – after all, we get a lot of strange perks in our jobs. However, when I met with Camille Pierson, at The Float Spa in Hove a place she set up and owns, my interest was most definitely piqued. Situated in a sprawling basement on Third Avenue, the spa is a haven of calm. She explained the benefits of floating in some detail: Floatation is a practice where you float effortlessly in a special pod of Epsom Salt water. Without the constant noise of analysing the world around you, your body lowers its levels of cortisol (which is the main chemical component of stress). Your brain releases elevated levels of dopamine and endorphins. Your muscles, joints, and bones take a 20 well-deserved break. Your mind becomes still and your body suddenly has loads of extra resources, which allows it to focus on things like healing and resting – the stress simply floats away. The spine lengthens an inch, chronic pain is relieved, and your muscles are allowed to fully recover. Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout your body. Camille’s enthusiasm for floating is infectious, so when she offered me a trial a few days later, I jumped at the chance. On the day of my float, I was met by Helen Johnson, who is equally as enthusiastic about floating and after being treated to a cold glass of cucumber water, I was talked through everything I might need to know – and more – about my impending experience. Next it was to the room where my pod was and again, I received a full explanation from Helen about what to do and what to expect. You have the option to wear ear plugs and must take a shower before removing all your clothes and getting into the pod, which are the biggest available on the market. The lid to the pod is easy to pull down and push open, there is a panic button and the option to have lighting (a bit like the Northern Lights) or to be in total darkness. You have complete privacy and can choose whether to lock the door to the room the pod is in or not but you need to bear in mind that if you do and you press the panic button, you’ll need to be able to get out of the pod to unlock the door. Helen explained to me that sensors at the reception desk would alert her to